Cruise Wonderland >> Virtual Ship Tours >> Orion II


Christened 2011 June 9th
(by Jill Bennette, Laurel Norris, Shirley Turtle)
 

Orion II was the second ship of Orion Expedition Cruises, a cruise line specializing in exotic voyages to fascinating destinations in five-star luxury. Built in 1991 in Italy and refitted in 2009, the yacht-like, all-suite expedition vessel carries just 100 passengers. Onboard amenities include restaurants, lounge, library, boutique, gym, spa, salon, pool and an aft marina platform.

With a small size, Orion II is purpose-built for expedition cruising and features adventurous itineraries. She can enter many small ports that are unable to be reached by large ships. Zodiacs (inflatable motorized boats) can also be used for shore landings. Many destinations, from Russian Far East to Antarctica, are less visited and out-of-the-way ports with scenic wonders for exploration.

A range of included and optional shore excursions are offered. Passengers are led by a team of qualified experts selected for their areas of expertise. They deliver inspiring daily lectures and briefings of historical, cultural and ecological insights into the regions the ship is about to explorer.

Orion II has a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, and provides the finest standard in service and facilities. She is suitable for well-educated travellers in search of life enrichment, who like learning about nature and wildlife and exploring the world quietly on a small ship. After only one year of service in the fleet, she returned to Travel Dynamics International as Corinathian.

Entered Service 1991 January (as Renaissance Four)
2011 June 10th (as Orion II)
Builder Cantieri Navale Ferrari-Signani Shipyards, La Spezia (Italy)
Original Cost US$20 million
Registry Valletta, Malta
Gross Tonnage 4077 tons
Length x Beam x Draft 88.1 x 15.3 x 4.5 (m), 289.0 x 50.2 x 14.8 (ft)
Speed 13.5 knots, 15 knots (maximum)
Passenger Decks 5
Number of Cabins
(Inside / Oceanview / Balcony)
50 (0, 34, 16)
Passengers
(Standard Occupancy /
Full Occupancy)
100 / 100
Total Crew 70
Navigation Officers European
IMO Number, Call Sign 8708672, 9HUT9
Sister Ships Silver Galapagos (Silversea Cruises)
Dubawi (megayacht for private charter)
Cruise One (megayacht for private charter)
History 1991-1996: Renaissance Four (Renaissance Cruises)
1996-2011: Clelia II (Travel Dynamics International)
2011-2012: Orion II (Orion Expedition Cruises)
2012- : Corinthian (Travel Dynamics International)

(Unless otherwise specified, information about Orion II in this virtual ship tour was correct at the time of publishing after the author visited the ship in April 2012. Cruise Wonderland would like to express our gratitude to Orion Expedition Cruises in organizing the ship tour for us.)

Click on different decks to view the details:
Deck 2 / Deck 3 / Deck 4 / Deck 5 / Deck 6


Deck 2
Deck 2 is the lowest passenger deck which consists of seven oceanview cabins, the dining room, the infirmary and the aft marina platform.

Restaurant:
The Restaurant at the port side midships offers breakfast and lunch in buffet style, and also dinner in single seating without fixed table assignments. The dinner menus onboard feature signature dishes designed by Sydney's award-winning chef Serge Dansereau.

Medical Centre:
There is a doctor onboard in the Medical Centre, located amidships at the starboard side. Consultations are available for a fee and can be arranged through the Reception.

Restaurant

Deck 2 Hallway

Medical Centre

Marina Deck Platform:
Passengers can embark the Zodiacs from the Marina Deck Platform at the stern, accessed by the aft stairs. This allows flexibility in landing at remote locations.

A Ocean Suites:
The A Ocean Suites (275 square feet) are located on Deck 2. Each room has two twin beds or a queen-size bed, sea view through the portholes, a sitting area and a marble bathroom with shower. Amenities include sofa, coffee table, wardrobe, air conditioning, refrigerator, flat-screen TV, DVD and CD player, personal safe, hairdryer, bathrobes and toiletries. 24-hour room service is available.


Deck 3
Deck 3 houses the front desk, the onboard shop, a lounge, as well as twelve oceanview cabins.

Reception:
The Reception at the port side midships, opposite to the elevator, is manned 24 hours a day for all enquiries from passengers.

Boutique:
The Boutique at the port side midships is open when the ship is at sea. It offers a wide range of gifts, signature clothing as well as sundry items.

Reception

Deck 3 Staircase

Boutique

Main Lounge:
With a small dance floor, the Main Lounge at the aft end is the venue for Captain's cocktail party and after-dinner entertainments, such as music played by the resident duo. It can also be used as a lecture hall for talks and presentations given by guest speakers and the expedition team.

B Ocean Suites / AA Ocean Suites / Junior Suites:
B Ocean Suites (Deck 3, 215 square feet), AA Ocean Suites (Deck 3 and Deck 4, 225 square feet) and Junior Suites (Deck 4, 235 square feet) have windows and sitting area, plus all amenities available in A Ocean Suites.

Main Lounge

Main Lounge

AA Ocean Suite


Deck 4
Deck 4 is composed of the Bridge at the forward end, fifteen oceanview cabins amidships, together with Library and Gym at the stern.

Nautilus Club and Library:
Situated aft of Deck 4, the Library is well-stocked with a wide variety of novels, travel guides, DVDs and games for loan. Two computers with Internet connection is also available. There is also a bar serving refreshments and drinks.

Library

Library

Nautilus Club

Gym:
The aft-facing oceanview Gym offers a number of fitness equipment, including a step machine, a treadmill, a cross trainer, two exercise bicycles, free weights and exercise mats.

Gym

Gym

Deck 4 Promenade


Deck 5
Deck 5 has an aft Outdoor Café, the midship Spa & Salon, and fourteen cabins at the forward end.

Outdoor Café:
The Outdoor Café, situated aft of Deck 5, offers al fresco dining for buffet breakfast and lunch. Guests may also book at table for dinner and enjoy the same menu and service as presented in the Restaurant.

Spa & Salon:
The Spa & Salon is positioned amidships. Spa treatments and massage options are offered in the Spa, whereas the Salon has a range of services from simple hair-cut and makeover to manicure and pedicure. Appointments are required.

Outdoor Café

Outdoor Café

Outdoor Café

Deluxe Suites:
Two Deluxe Suites (285 square feet) occupy the forward end on Deck 5 which enjoy the forward view of the ship through the windows.

Balcony Suites:
Twelve Balcony Suites (245 square feet) are situated amidships. Each has a private balcony as well as sitting area.

Balcony Suite

Balcony Suite

Deck 5 Hallway


Deck 6
Deck 6 is the highest deck which is made up of four balcony cabins, the Sun Deck and a Jacuzzi.

Sun Deck with Jacuzzi:
Filled with padded teak steamer chairs, the Sun Deck is a relaxing spot to read a book or sunbathe. There is also a small Jacuzzi, which also acts as a plunge pool for a cool dip in warmer climates.

Sun Deck

Jacuzzi

Deck 6 Staircase

Penthouse Suites:
Four Penthouse Suites (260 square feet) are the largest accommodations on Orion II. Each has a private balcony, window, sitting area, an extra office desk, as well as other basic amenities available in other suites.

Penthouse Suite

Penthouse Suite

Penthouse Suite


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